Eskom loadshedding resumed on Monday morning and is expected to end at 10pm. This follows a weekend of blackouts across South Africa due to increased demand.
“Despite Eskom’s best efforts to return additional generation units to service after the breakdowns that occurred during the week, we have not made sufficient progress to enable us to suspend loadshedding,” the power utility said in a statement.
“Eskom wishes to assure the public that implementing loadshedding is the last resort, in order to protect the national grid.”
Eskom loadshedding necessary on Monday
Eskom said that Monday’s loadshedding is also necessary in order to replenish the emergency generation reserves to better prepare for the week.
“On Saturday night after the peak demand period Eskom teams successfully returned one unit at the Kriel power station, adding 475MW to the grid,” it described.
“The return of a generation unit each at Tutuka and Kriel power stations has been delayed, contributing to the supply constraints.
“During the coming week Eskom will continue to experience supply constraints. Due to the much colder weather, demand for electricity has also risen significantly.
“We therefore urge the public to continue assisting us in managing consumption in order to reduce the impact of the supply constraints. With your help Eskom can recover from this much quicker.
“Eskom will communicate should there be any significant changes to the supply situation.”